Guitars Not Guns Canada

child's hand playing a chord on a guitar neck

About Us

What Does Guitars Not Guns Canada Do?

Guitars Not Guns Canada has been providing guitars and lessons to at-risk youth in Toronto since 2006, because we believe in the power of music to change the world, one kid at a time.

We work with staff at our partner locations to determine which students would benefit most from being involved.

We then hand each student a guitar, and our instructors teach them the basics — notes, chords and some simple songs — over the course of twelve one-hour sessions. Students then perform at a concert for their families and community members.

The pay-off for GNG Canada kids? Increased self-esteem. A sense of achievement. And a guitar that is theirs to keep.

The formula is tried and tested, and it works — as we see every year, when former students end up coming back as mentors to support the next generation, assist instructors and help organize our end-of-semester concerts.

Is Guitars Not Guns Canada a registered charity?

Yes, we have been a registered charity in Canada since 2009 and all donations are eligible for tax receipts.

Each year, with just a few thousand dollars we are able to run our program to the fullest.

Our Canadian Chapter has helped over 300 kids since being founded.

If you would like to help support what we do, please visit our donate page.

Check out our registered-charity information profile at the Canada Revenue Agency, here.

Board of Directors
Michelle Diaz, President
Christopher Godawa, Vice-President
Jeremy McQuay, Chief Financial Officer

Advisory Council
Leslie Shoichet, Fundraising
David Brian Shreve, IT, Web Development

Celebrity Philanthropy

We are proud to announce that Mark Holmes of the Canadian Rock Band PLATINUM BLONDE is also supporting us and what we do.

Are you affiliated with Guitars Not Guns in the US?

Guitars Not Guns was founded in the U.S.A. by Ray & Louise Nelson.

We are the Canadian Chapter of Guitars Not Guns and operate independently from our affiliated organization in the U.S.A.

For more information on our U.S. counterpart, please visit: Guitars Not Guns.

a thank you card from one of our students

What The Kids Say

"Hi, my name is Juliana and I’ve been waiting and waiting and then I got in Guitars Not Guns. I was so excited to get a guitar. We have learned Happy Birthday, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary Had a Little Lamb."

"I experience that playing the guitar is fun and it also a bit difficult to play but I am so happy to play the guitar. And thanks to all of you."

"Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to learn how to play guitar. I have friends at the Guitar class and we enjoy playing the guitar together. The instructors are wonderful and I am so happy to have a guitar to learn and play songs."